Measurements at the Mauna Loa Observatory stopped after the 2022 eruption of the Mauna Loa volcano, when lava flow crossed the access road and took out power lines to the facility. The observatory remains inaccessible by vehicle and without power from the local utility company.
Observatory staff has established limited solar power in four observatory buildings and restored approximately 33 percent of the measurements onsite, including the Global Monitoring Laboratory and Scripps critical CO2 records and other atmospheric measurements.
Media can contact: Theo Stein (303) 819-7409 (theo.stein@noaa.gov) or Karin Vergoth 303-632-6413 (karin.vergoth@noaa.gov)
Organization(s):
What does this program measure? The program will measure trace metals and mercury as well as cations and anions in precipitation. How does this program work? An automated collection system capable of collecting event (24 hour integrated) wet-only precipitation samples will be used when this program begins. Each rain event will consist of one sample collected in a Teflon bottle for mercury analysis and one sample collected in a polypropylene bottle for major ions and trace elements analysis. Why is this research important? Scientists collect event precipitation samples for total mercury. Are there any trends in the data? Not applicable (program has not yet begun). How does this program fit into the big picture? What is it's role in global climate change? Comments and References Data is going to be collected at the Hakalau Forest Reserve. |
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